Gas prices in the Bonham area are already high, averaging $3.15 a gallon, however, some experts say prices could continue to climb well above $4 a gallon.
“It’s going to be potentially a pricier year than anticipated,” said Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy, adding that the national average could top $4 per gallon by Memorial Day.
The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.22 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is seven cents more than from this day last week and is 99 cents more per gallon compared to this day last year.
The main culprit pushing pump prices up is the high cost of crude oil. Recent spikes in demand for gasoline and other crude oil products in addition to geopolitical tensions continue to keep crude above $90 per barrel.
“Strong demand, tightening supplies and crude oil remaining above $90 per barrel will not alleviate the pain Texas drivers are feeling at the gas pump,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “The cost to fill up an average tank is approximately $45, which is about $14 more than a year ago.”
According to gasprices.aaa.com, drivers in Texas are paying the 6th lowest gas price average in country with drivers in California paying the most at $4.72 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on fuel, AAA has some tips to help.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
For the cheapest gas in the Bonham area, VP Racing Fuels on Sam Rayburn Drive has regular unleaded for $3.09 per gallon while the Murphy USA on N SH-121 has the next lowest price at $3.14.
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